This week, a commemorative tree was planted in Shrewsbury to celebrate the success of the UK’s first Local Authority Carbon Neutral Surfacing Scheme. Following the planting of 200 trees in Habberley, Shropshire a few weeks ago, we decided to donate a semi-mature tree to the Shropshire Alliance to mark the final stage of a scheme we are incredibly proud of. Not only was this scheme the first of it’s kind in the UK, it was something we had been working towards for some time. We are beyond proud of everyone who made this possible, and to have pioneered a blueprint for local authorities to deliver sustainable road maintenance programmes. The Shropshire Alliance were kind enough to offer a space on the Column Roundabout, right in the heart of Shrewsbury. We commissioned a plaque, listing all the partners of the initiative to ensure their efforts were recognised. Members from Shropshire Highways, WSP, Kier and Miles Macadam were in attendance, as well as Councillor Dean Carroll who came out to give us a helping hand. An article in Shropshire Newsroom revealed Councillor Carroll’s comments: “I was delighted to plant a tree to mark the completion of this award-winning programme, the first of its kind in the UK. […] Shropshire Council’s highways team and our partners have delivered the first carbon neutral, routine highways maintenance programme in the UK and set an example for the rest to follow.” It was our first Carbon Neutral scheme, but it certainly won’t be our last. We completed 4 last year, and have many more lined up for this year!